Have you ever seen an off-road vehicle like this? The owner of this Daihatsu Feroza seems to enjoy the outdoors more than the owners of the regular Feroza’s.
Shall we… Trevis?
Mar 6
To satisfy the popular demand, here it is, the promo of the cutest Daihatsu ever (probably) 
Daihatsu launched today the third generation of its popular hatchback Sirion (AKA Boon). Although I still like the first generation better, this one seems to have a little more character than its predecessor.
Following specifications apply to Boon only (JDM). We should probably expect changes on the engine and transmission for different markets (especially for Europe).
Daihatsu and Toyota teamed up for the recreation of the Sirion/Boon/Passo, with all models now boasting higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions through the adoption of CVT and many other changes.
The new car will be available with either a 1.0-liter or a 1.3-liter engine. The 4-speed automatic transmission seems to be retired. All models (including 4WD versions) are now coming with a CVT transmission. The 1.0 liter uses the 1KR-FE that produces 69 PS (51kW) at 6,000rpm and 92Nm of torque at 3,600rpm.
K3-VE engine has been replaced with 1.3-liter 1NR-FE. The new engine has dual variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves. Its power output is 95 PS (70kW) at 6,000rpm and 121Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
1KR-FE (1,000cc)’s fuel consumption is only 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
The new car’s wheelbase is 2,440mm. It suggests that the most of the platform has carried over since the old car’s wheelbase was exactly the same.
A great road safety video from Sussex Safer Roads Partnership.
On January 27th, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it wishes to express its deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in the earthquake that struck Haiti and its concerns for everyone in the devastated area.
Daihatsu decided to contribute 500.000 yen in aid, via the Japanese Red Cross Society, to assist earthquake relief efforts.
Probably the best exhaust sound you could ever hear coming out of a Materia:
Daihatsu quits China!
Jan 11
More bad news: First, Australia, then UK and now China…
Daihatsu announced on January 7 that it had withdrawn from a 50-50 joint venture in China in partnership with China’s FAW Jilin Automobile.
The Japanese automaker has made this decision after it adjusted its sales strategy in the Chinese auto market. Daihatsu will sell all its shares in FAW Daihatsu (Jilin) Body Parts Co. Ltd. to FAW Jilin (an auto parts maker in China).
From January to December 2008, Daihatsu sold roughly over a million vehicles, with a growth of 4 percent from a year earlier. However, its sales and net profit had witnessed the first decline since 2002. Moreover, the Xenia, the only model that has been made in China in the form of technology transference, could hardly have a satisfactory sales performance.
In addition, in order to continue the technology licensing agreement, no changes will be made in the partnership between Daihatsu and FAW Jilin Auto with regard to the provision of parts and other activities.
